I just traded in my ’09 Highlander Base V6 FWD for a 2011 RAV4 Base 4cyl AWD.
Here my first impressions after two weeks.
I will miss the extra room in rear of the Highlander for luggage yet even with the third row stowed away everything must sit on top. I didn’t get the third row option on the RAV4 and I like the option of using the storage compartment below which keeps the groceries from sliding around.
I will miss the power of the smooth V6 engine but the RAV’s 4 banger seems refined and adequate.
I have been pleasantly surprised to find a better execution of some features on the RAV4.
The onboard display for AVG mileage, outside temp etc was not standard on the Highlander.
The dashboard controls are better designed. All are properly backlit for night driving unlike its big brother. My former HL complaint concerning the door grab handle obstructing the window switches is not as big of an issue on the RAV4 since the switch bank is angled towards your hand. My wife and I find the RAV4 seats more comfortable on a long haul too.
The RAV4 does have 2 less cup holders upfront and there’s not a good place for a garage door remote. I personally like the looks of the Highlander more but I must admit the RAV4 is a lot easier to maneuver in parking lots and it’s nice to have a little more room in the garage.
In the end it was the better lease program offered on the RAV4 that made me switch.
We’ll see what the next 36 months brings.
I just traded in my ’09 Highlander Base V6 FWD for a 2011 RAV4 Base 4cyl AWD.
Here my first impressions after two weeks.
I will miss the extra room in rear of the Highlander for luggage yet even with the third row stowed away everything must sit on top. I didn’t get the third row option on the RAV4 and I like the option of using the storage compartment below which keeps the groceries from sliding around.
I will miss the power of the smooth V6 engine but the RAV’s 4 banger seems refined and adequate.
I have been pleasantly surprised to find a better execution of some features on the RAV4.
The onboard display for AVG mileage, outside temp etc was not standard on the Highlander.
The dashboard controls are better designed. All are properly backlit for night driving unlike its big brother. My former HL complaint concerning the door grab handle obstructing the window switches is not as big of an issue on the RAV4 since the switch bank is angled towards your hand. My wife and I find the RAV4 seats more comfortable on a long haul too.
The RAV4 does have 2 less cup holders upfront and there’s not a good place for a garage door remote. I personally like the looks of the Highlander more but I must admit the RAV4 is a lot easier to maneuver in parking lots and it’s nice to have a little more room in the garage.
In the end it was the better lease program offered on the RAV4 that made me switch.
We’ll see what the next 36 months brings.
Congrats! We test drove a RAV 4 and the Sienna before deciding on the Highlander. We wanted a roomier vehicle ( for a family of 5 ) and the kids didn't like the Sienna. So the Highlander came up as the winner.
Cheers!
The Following User Says Thank You to mikmabz For This Useful Post:
I just traded in my ’09 Highlander Base V6 FWD for a 2011 RAV4 Base 4cyl AWD.
Here my first impressions after two weeks.
I will miss the extra room in rear of the Highlander for luggage yet even with the third row stowed away everything must sit on top. I didn’t get the third row option on the RAV4 and I like the option of using the storage compartment below which keeps the groceries from sliding around.
I will miss the power of the smooth V6 engine but the RAV’s 4 banger seems refined and adequate.
I have been pleasantly surprised to find a better execution of some features on the RAV4.
The onboard display for AVG mileage, outside temp etc was not standard on the Highlander.
The dashboard controls are better designed. All are properly backlit for night driving unlike its big brother. My former HL complaint concerning the door grab handle obstructing the window switches is not as big of an issue on the RAV4 since the switch bank is angled towards your hand. My wife and I find the RAV4 seats more comfortable on a long haul too.
The RAV4 does have 2 less cup holders upfront and there’s not a good place for a garage door remote. I personally like the looks of the Highlander more but I must admit the RAV4 is a lot easier to maneuver in parking lots and it’s nice to have a little more room in the garage.
In the end it was the better lease program offered on the RAV4 that made me switch.
We’ll see what the next 36 months brings.
A little suggestion for the garage door remote. I too had difficulty finding a good spot for it, so I bought some adhesive velcro at HD, put a piece on the back of the opener (took the clip off) and another on the headliner just to the rear of the sun visor and close to the driver window. It's very solid and in two years, it has never come off. Not sure of the set up in the RAV4, but you may be able to do the same.
Cheers.
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
Congrats! We test drove a RAV 4 and the Sienna before deciding on the Highlander. We wanted a roomier vehicle ( for a family of 5 ) and the kids didn't like the Sienna. So the Highlander came up as the winner.
How would you compare the ride on the Highlander vs the Rav 4. When I drove both I thought the Highlander was much more refined at highway speeds and gas mileage (6 cyl Rav 4) was not much different. Size, power on the Highlander was better and price was about the same. Anyway, enjoy your purchase and let me know what you think as far as highway speed "quietness" is like on the Rav vs the Highlander.
i test drove the rav4 this past december and, for me, was absolutely a fun car to drive. hadn't that much fun driving a car since the mustang. unfortunately, my dog bounced around the back something crazy so it was a no-go for me. the HL handled the dog better, but not nearly the 'fun to drive' experience as the rav4.
When I compared the 2 the RAV didnt cut it.I actually liked the Ford Escape better then the RAV.But to each his own,if it makes you happy thats all that matters.
No matter how well designed and functional it is, minivans still have this "boring" image in this country. As long as it is there, people will like cars such as HL more.
No matter how well designed and functional it is, minivans still have this "boring" image in this country. As long as it is there, people will like cars such as HL more.
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Highlander vs RAV4 comparison.
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